I think this is a song to review late on a cold night with a touch of winter, so let’s go for it, as it’s bloody cold outside lol.
We sometimes get asked as a magazine how it is that we say we are a Christian based magazine and yet we have a witch who appears sometimes on our merchandise and occasionally on page headings (the poetry page for example if you want to check her out). She is our witch on the mic, our design, not AI – absolutely human design! I will explain, we are Christians (although that is not a prerequisite for us to be here, just to broadly fit in with the ethics) but among us we have different interests too. My editor Mark loves history, Gothic folklore and fiction and old tales of witches and magic – he is also a practising Christian. So the Goth side of things here stems from him really, and he is one of the bosses! He, along with Benny, sends suggestions for us to review and both Benny and Mark take pride in supporting new artists, sometimes reviewing their first release. Roundabout, for example, who are going great over on the continent right now, we reviewed their opening track…
Which brings us to me being sent the debut single from “Gowdie, Daughter of Elphame, a songstress and witch, whose tales of magic, anguish and the occult are sure to both grace and haunt you. Taking influence from folklore, nature and historical accounts of witchcraft, and with roots in both classical and folk music, the work of Gowdie is an eclectic collection of unique ideas.” So says the press on this new artist.
The first single is called “The Hare and the Jack” – a most interesting title and we had a few words with the artist about this release.
Here is our mini interview with Gowdie,
For those just meeting your music, who is Gowdie, and how long has this song been written and ready to go?
Gowdie: Gowdie is what I go by for my solo work and is inspired by infamous Scottish witch Isobel Gowdie. “The Hare & The Jack” has been in the works for some time now, as I was really eager to have my first release be truly representative of myself as a musician, really showcasing my songwriting and the story that I intend to build upon in future releases. “The Hare & The Jack” went through a number of changes until I was finally happy with what it had morphed into, but this version has been written for just over 3 months now. I can’t wait for everyone to hear it!
Do we detect a bit of Goth along with the folk? Interesting mix!
Gowdie: I’m pleased you think that! As it stands at the moment I’d say my music has elements of a variety of genres, but I tend to tell people when asked that it’s a blend of folk, indie and post-punk. I have been involved in folk music from a young age, playing violin in folk bands since I was very young, so I really wanted my music to be reflective of that. I am also very influenced by a lot of goth bands though so it’s nice to hear that that’s peeking through. I had been listening to a lot of Siouxsie and The Banshees, and Strawberry Switchblade while writing this track!
(and) Can you tell us a bit about this single and what it means to you, did you write it alone and are you on instruments too or vocals only?
Gowdie: I hold this song very close to my heart, not only with it being my debut single, but also with what the track is based around. The lyrics themselves are written around Isobel Gowdie’s confession to witchcraft in the 1600s, as she has been a figure I have always resonated deeply with. As a practicing witch myself, I like to use my voice as a songwriter to speak for those who came before me, and suffered at the hands of the trials that happened all over the world throughout history. It is so important to me that these women have a voice in today’s world. While “Gowdie” is my solo work, I do also have the help of my partner Charlie, who is a musician and multi-instrumentalist like myself. All instrumental parts on “The Hare & The Jack” were played by myself and Charlie (vocals, bass and keys by me, and guitar and drums by Charlie). We are both involved in a number of other musical projects outside of the world of Gowdie, which makes for a really exciting blend of ideas and influence. We’re a great team!!
Which takes us to my review:
A blend of keys and haunting vocal dynamics takes us into this ethereal song. It resonates of edgy indie rock with that sense of soaring romanticism and words that are carried on the winds. I imagined a crow flying over those Macbeth style woods for this one. Musically a drum beat and throbbing bass delivers the sound to hang the emotive vocals on. It’s interesting, well worth a listen and it holds you from the opening notes on the piano.
In summary, Gowdie steps into the world with “The Hare and the Jack,” a debut steeped in folklore, witchcraft, and a deliciously Gothic shimmer. Drawing inspiration from the confessions of Isobel Gowdie and blending folk roots with indie textures and ghost-kissed post-punk moods, this track marks the arrival of a genuinely intriguing new voice. With its haunting keys, pulsing rhythm section, and a vocal performance that floats like a crow over darkened woods, Gowdie’s first release is both captivating and evocative — a daring, atmospheric introduction that promises rich storytelling to come.
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You can stream music by Gowdie here
By Anna-Louise Burgess